Topic: Public Citizen Foundation

Medical malpractice suits: Only 1 in 5 pay

Medical malpractice suits target 1 in 14 doctors every year. Average medical malpractice payout is $275,000.

Gas prices could drop 20 cents by Memorial Day, experts say

Gas prices are expected to drop – perhaps quite a bit – as the wholesale price of gasoline tumbles. The size of the drop will depend on how long commodities prices remain low.

Obama to US companies: Time to hire and invest is now

Obama's speech Monday to US Chamber of Commerce outlined plans to encourage innovation and business investment. But he also urged US companies to get off sidelines and 'invest in America.'

Gas prices rise: Is Obama to blame?

Gas prices are 14 percent higher than a year ago, though US demand has risen only 0.7 percent. So what – or who – is driving up prices? The Heritage Foundation points a finger at Obama's environmental policies.

When patents kill: Genzyme's patent-protected, life-saving drug

Should intellectual property protect the rights of a pharmaceutical company who can't produce enough of a key medication?

What can lawyers claim in their ads? Supreme Court inaction sets no limit.

Inaction by Supreme Court justices leaves standing a ruling by a federal appeals court that a New York law went too far in restricting claims made by ads for lawyers.

Obama's Asia trip: the free trade conundrum

Obama will press for countries at the G20 summit to adopt measures for addressing trade imbalances. Also, the Obama administration recently stepped up talks with South Korea on modifying the free trade agreement with the US.

The other recovery to watch: world trade

World trade suffered its worst slump since the Great Depression in 2008 and 2009.

Will the Rally to Restore Sanity actually restore sanity?

We’re pretty sure that on Sunday, Democratic and Republican candidates will still be running attack ads. But it’s possible the Rally to Restore Sanity could have some effect on the national conversation.

If BP qualifies for $10 billion cleanup tax break, should it get one?

BP says it will seek a $9.9 billion tax write-off based on the $32 billion it expects to spend on Gulf oil spill cleanup and recovery. One US senator is already calling for hearings to prevent it.

Gulf oil spill biggest ever, could cost BP $21 billion in fines

A new estimate suggests that the Gulf oil spill blowout gushed 4.9 million barrels of oil before BP capped it, making it the largest accidental oil spill in history.

Why Robert Dudley is tailor-made to lead BP past Gulf oil spill

Robert Dudley, who will become BP's new chief executive on Oct. 1, has many of the qualities that BP needs as it tries to move beyond the Gulf oil spill crisis. But he faces a tough task.

Toyota recall response: Is the company doing everything it can?

This week Toyota announces new safety measures. But another recall and news that its research firm altered documents requested in a government probe have some consumer advocates questioning whether the automaker is serious about safety.

Worldwide BP Protest Day vilifies BP for Gulf oil spill

Boycotts and protests against BP gas stations could hurt the wrong people. But public anger over the Gulf oil spill can no longer be contained, worsening the oil giant’s prospects for survival.

Oil spill: Gulf of Mexico disaster holds big liabilities for BP

The firm is spending about $6 million a day to contain the oil spill. Gulf of Mexico expenses associated with the oil rig explosion could eventually cost BP more than $3 billion.

State Senate pulls the plug on Vermont Yankee nuclear plant

Critics say Vermont Yankee nuclear plant was too old and had too many problems. This could be a blow for the Obama administration's plan to refurbish and revive aging nuclear power plants.

Campaign finance ruling: Can Congress do anything?

The Supreme Court's campaign finance ruling was based on the US Constitution. This makes it particularly hard for Congress to do anything but modify campaign finance law – public disclosure provisions, for example.

Could the US use a little protectionism?

Though it's a dirty word in many circles, a little protectionism might be good for the US.

US foot-dragging dims hopes for world trade deal

Chances of world trade deal look remote in part because the US has other bigger priorities.

Cash for Clunkers is popular, but is it truly a US stimulus?

Detroit has not said whether it will boost auto production now that Congress has allotted $2 billion more to the program.

Feds withheld data on risks of using a cellphone behind the wheel

Was 'Hillary: The Movie' wrongly censored?

The Supreme Court hears a case Tuesday about rules governing campaign advocacy and finance.

Was 'Hillary: The Movie' wrongly censored?

The Supreme Court hears a case Tuesday about rules governing campaign advocacy and finance.

US legislation will stop Mexican truckers at the border

The spending bill Obama signed Wednesday eliminates a program that let some drivers deliver goods in the US.

Investment fraud suspect Stanford was major political donor

Robert Allen Stanford, his firm, or its employees are said to have delivered $2.4 million to political operations since 2000.